FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Madison WI—People with a career in business may sometimes see themselves not as “spiritual” as those with a career in social services or full-time ministry. A hierarchy can develop that places pastors, missionaries and para-church workers at the “most spiritual” end of the spectrum, and business people and politicians near the other end. With over 20% of Americans graduating with business degrees, thinking like this de-values and underestimates the gifts and contributions of a large percentage of the Body of Christ.
InterVarsity wants to bring all of the gifts of the Body to bear on global missions, and that is why we are adding the Open for Business Track to the program at Urbana 06, to be held December 27-31, 2006, in St. Louis. This track is designed for business professionals and business students who want to use their skills in business to bring about economic, social and spiritual transformation of communities both at home and abroad. This growing trend in missions has been called by some the “business as mission” movement.
What can business people do for missions?
1. They can be a part of bringing the gospel to the world’s poorest people by creating economic stability in poor communities. Since 80% of the world’s poorest people live in the least evangelized parts of the world, godly business people can have a tremendous impact on both the spiritual and economic welfare of these communities.
2. Business people can open doors to the gospel in some of the most restricted countries in the world. While many countries are closed to traditional missionaries, they are very open to foreign experts in business. Christian business people in missions bring not only their expertise, resources and capital, but also the love of Christ, to whatever country they enter. Currently, there are opportunities for business-as-mission practitioners in many of the world’s restricted-access countries, where over 265 mega-cities are eager for foreign investment.
3. When business people invest in and develop sustainable businesses, they greatly reduce the price tag of foreign missions. Global missions is a financially costly endeavor—and the amount of money given to missions is not keeping pace with the rising costs.
If there are people in your life who are gifted in business and want to use their resources and energy for the sake of the gospel, encourage them to check out the Open for Business Track at Urbana 06. More information can be found at www.urbana.org/go/ofb
For additional information, please contact:
Christy Chappell
Urbana Communications Director
608/274-7995
cchappell@intervarsity.org
